As the New York Knicks faithful burst into cheers of Hip-Hop Hooray after their team defeated the defending NBA champion Miami Heat one couldn’t help give a major side eye to the entire situation. People seriously need to pump their breaks. Not only are the Knicks currently camping out at nine games below .500 with an abysmal 13-22, they also are also among the worst teams in the NBA on defense.
Defense. You remember that term don’t you Knicks fans? Yes, Carmelo Anthony had 29 points and 8 rebounds in a victory. But LeBron James has always had issues defending Melo. Heck, who doesn’t? Quick, strong and skilled, Melo heats up in an instant on anyone. Carmelo is Carmelo’s best defender. But he still provides very little defense on opposing small forwards as LeBron’s 32 points attest to.
Yes, Raymond Felton had 13 points and 14 assists, but I won’t go betting on the shot-happy point guard to dish out that many helpers anytime soon. All things weren’t doom and gloom though as the Knicks have won three in a row and this victory was without center Tyson Chandler and key bench player Metta World Peace. However, to balance that out, don’t go betting on PF Chris Bosh being held to six points again either.
Yes, this was a great victory. But please back away from the baccarat table. You’re about to lose your shirt. It’s not time to start betting on the Knicks just yet. It’s a January victory. Championships are won in June and the Knicks are currently the 10th best team in the sorry Eastern Conference.
